Newly elected Speaker of the City of Johannesburg, Margaret Arnolds, has pledged a renewed commitment to efficient governance and accountability during her second term at the helm of the council.

Speaking shortly after her appointment in Joburg on Thursday, Arnolds acknowledged the challenges of the role but expressed confidence in her ability to build on the lessons learned during her previous term.

“I have learned lessons, a lot of lessons, both in finance and the legislature, and I think that I might not make the same mistakes that I have made before, and it’s only as I said,” she said.

Reflecting on her experience, Arnolds noted that her previous term, during 2023, had been a valuable learning curve and that she was determined to apply those lessons to improve the functionality and decorum of the council.

“I need to look at what the speaker has left for me and what I’m going to go on to, but I’m saying to you I’m excited, it’s different,” she added.

“Here I am going to have oversight, there I was in executive, but I do believe that I am up to the challenge and I would prove to you that I’m able to take the legislature to where it should be, not 100 people but maybe 99.9 percent.”

Arnold also called on all city councillors to respect council proceedings by arriving on time and maintaining professional discipline during sittings.

“Councillors must arrive 10 minutes before council and be fully prepared to engage constructively,” she said.

Meanwhile, Arnolds had to resign from her position as Finance MMC.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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